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A progressive wave of frequency 500 Hz is traveling with a speed of 350 m/s. A compression maximum appears, at a place at a given instant. The minimum time interval after which a rarefaction maximum occurs, at the same place is:

Correct answer: C. 1/1000 s

  • A. 1/250 s
  • B. 1/500 s
  • C. 1/1000 s
  • D. 1/350 s

Explanation

The wave speed (v) is given as 350 m/s, and the frequency (f) of the wave is 500 Hz, which means the time period (T) is T = 1/f = 1/500 s.The wavelength (λ) of the wave is related to the wave speed and the time period as follows: λ = v x T.Substitute the values: λ = 350 m/s x 1/500 s = 0.7 m.The time interval for a rarefaction maximum to occur at the same place is equal to the time taken for one full wavelength (from compression maximum to rarefaction maximum) to pass by.Time interval = T/2 = 1/2×500s = 1/1000. So, the correct option is C) 1/1000 s.

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